Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Table 7.12
Mean (
SE) ovulation rate (OR), total (TEMB) and
freezable (FEMB) embryos, fertilization rate (FR), freezability rate
(FRR), ova recovery rate (RR) and embryo recovery rate (ERR), in
ewes treated with two FSH
1
preparations.
±
Total (n = 34)
oFSH (n = 16)
pFSH (n = 18)
9.3 ± 1.6
a
6.8 ± 1.5
a
OR
8.0 ± 6.2
TEMB
5.0 ± 5.0
7.1 ± 1.3
a
3.1 ± 1.2
b
FEMN
4.2 ± 5.1
5.9 ± 1.3
a
2.6
±
1.2
a
Total (n = 26)
oFSH (n = 16)
pFSH (n = 10)
FR (%)
92.5
±
22.0
94.6
±
5.5
a
89.2
±
6.7
a
Total (n = 26)
oFSH (n = 16)
pFSH (n = 9)
FRR (%)
68.2
±
40.0
66.4
±
10.2
a
71.6
±
13.5
a
Total (n = 34)
oFSH (n = 16)
pFSH (n = 18)
RR (%)
60
±
30
80
±
1 0
a,
* * *
3 0
±
1 0
b,
* * *
ERR (%)
50
±
30
80
±
1 0
a,
* * *
3 0
±
1 0
b,
* * *
Means in the same rows with different superscripts (a-b) differ signifi cantly
( *
P
< 0.05 or * * *
P
< 0.001).
1
oFSH, ovine FSH; pFSH, porcine FSH.
Source: Bettencourt et al., 2008 .
APPLIED REPRODUCTION
MANAGEMENT IN GOATS
Good, effi cient reproduction management is a prerequisite
for any successful and profi table small stock enterprise. By
the implementation of a few basic practices, the overall
effi ciency of the goat herd can be increased notably. By
the implementation of an effective health and nutritional
program through breeding, gestation, lactation, and the
postpartum period of the doe, the production of viable
offspring can be practically guaranteed. Generally this
reproduction performance is measured in terms of the
kidding rate or weaning rate. There are, however, certain
critical management areas that warrant highlighting. These
briefl y include aspects covered in the following sections
(Devendra and Burns, 1983; Schutte et al., 1986; Bath and
De Wet, 2000 ).
image, and pregnancy can be diagnosed from 20-30
days postmating. An aspect to keep in mind is that the
larger the fetus, the more diffi cult it is to determine the
presence of multiple births. The fact that 60-70% of
fetal growth takes place during the last trimester of gesta-
tion makes the strategic nutritional supplementation during
this period in pregnant animals very important. By identi-
fi cation and the strategic feeding of the pregnant does, a
higher birth weight of the kids (and higher survival rate)
can be practically assured, as well as increased milk pro-
duction by the dam (higher ADG by the kids) (Schutte
et al., 1986).
Other techniques (although less practical and sometimes
less accurate) for the diagnosis of pregnancy are also avail-
able. These include radiographic techniques (X-rays),
ultrasonic techniques (fetal pulse detection, rectal Doppler
probe), rectal-abdominal palpation, progesterone and hor-
monal tests, vaginal biopsies, and immunological tests.
Even laparoscopy can be used as a technique to determine
pregnancy in goats. The prerequisite of the technique used
is the practical ease of application and cost involved.
Pregnancy diagnosis as a tool and aid in the effi cient
reproduction management program of goats is an aspect
not to be underestimated—not only can time be saved, but
also money and the fodder fl ow program can be managed
accordingly (Holtz, 2005 ).
Recordkeeping
The keeping of reliable records is an integral part of an
effective reproduction management program. It is the only
means of recording the performance of the herd, while
monitoring progress. Certain parameters warrant record-
ing, and these include mating dates, kidding dates, birth
weights of the kids (and sex of the kids) and where natural
mating is used, buck fertility, mating ability, and libido of
the bucks.
